Dawson Forest WMA - Wildcat Creek Loop - Sun, Mar 22 2026

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Dawson Forest WMA - Wildcat Creek Loop


The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: Tabacco Pouch Trail off Monument Road, Jasper GA   Hike: Dawson Forest WMA - Wildcat Creek Loop  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Sun, Mar 22 2026  9:30 am >> Sun, Mar 22 2026 2:15 pm
Registration Opens: Mon, Feb 16 2026 7:05 pm
Registration Cut Off: Sat, Mar 21 2026 7:05 pm
Event Duration:4 Hours 45 Minutes
Difficulty Rating:D5: Difficult (Exploratory)
Distance:11.5 Miles
Pace:Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Kelly
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Member Cost:None

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:10
Minimum Group Size:3
Number Registered So Far: 1 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

I recently did most of this loop starting at a less accessable parking area so only the first section of the hike is exploratory. 

We will do the Wildcat Loop in a counter clock wise direction - so we save the waterfalls for the end! Yes, I said waterfalls - that means two! There are some stream crossings - most are rock hopping but your feet may get a little wet. I recommend hiking poles. Since this is a new trail for many people  we will stick together and move a 2.5 to 2.7 pace overall (I go slower up-hill). We will break for lunch at one of the waterfalls. 

Wildcat Tract is a WMA.  You must have a DNR permit to hike on WMA lands.  It can be purchased from the DNR site. https://gooutdoorsgeorgia.com/. Click on Purchase License – create an account if you do not already have one. You will want to purchase 1152 - Combo Hunting/Fishing (short term) for 1 day, it cost $5. Or you can get a WRD Lands Pass for the year. 

Total miles is 11.5 and elevation gain is 2,651. So this is a solid D5 hike. One of the longest uphill sections is at the end of the hike - when we will be getting tired. You need to have recent D4 history with the club or be able to demonstrate you will be able to complete the hike. 


Required Items to Bring:

boots (preferably waterproof)

snacks/lunch

water/beverage

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

hiking poles

rainjacket (just in case)


How to Get There:
Event Directions:

We will break for lunch at one of the waterfalls. 


Notes:
* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost Includes:

Wildcat Tract is a WMA.  You must have a DNR permit to hike on WMA lands.  It can be purchased from the DNR site:  https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes


Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.